Unlock the Block Music Fest

Let the good times roll with Unlock the Block Music Fest. Unlocking Community Through Music.

The inaugural event was created to activate community vibrancy and potential in Northern Kentucky! The festival’s setting - Latonia, KY (a neighborhood of Covington) - was chosen as the site for the music fest because of its emerging developments, engaged community, and rich history.

The festival takes place on Saturday, July 22 from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Ritte's Corner Historic District in Latonia at the corner of Decoursey Avenue. and West Southern Avenue.

Unlock the Block will feature lively bands, all with Northern Kentucky roots: DV8, a rock cover band; Ben Walz Band, an acoustic folk/rock blend; and The Turkeys, folk/rock and Americana.

Beyond the music, the festival places emphasis on supporting the neighborhood and region by including local businesses. Enjoy craft beers from Rhinegeist Brewery and Wooden Cask Brewing Company, as well as mixed drinks from Second Sight Spirits. Food vendors include local favorites such as Chick-fil-A Newport Pavilion, Smokin’ This and That BBQ, Shiver Popsicles, KONA Ice, Dan The Corn Man, and more.

Families can stop by the Activity Zone where kids can check out Skool Aid, get their picture taken with the cow from Chick-fil-A and see a 3D replica of Johnny’s Castle – a Latonia toy store icon that entertained children for years. Children attending the event will receive a free book to help unlock literacy during the summer months.

During the day, Unlock the Block attendees can take part in historical tours throughout Latonia narrated by a representative from the Kenton County Library. Additionally, several non-profit organizations will be on hand to meet guests and distribute valuable community resource materials.

Festival attendees are encouraged to check out local restaurants and retailers while in Latonia. Stop by the grand opening of the Half & Half antique store, grab a specialty “Block & Bleu Burger” from Bards Burgers, and delight in a donut from Emerson’s Bakery.

The event concludes with a fireworks display at 10:00 p.m. sponsored by Covington Commissioner Jordan Huizenga.

The official after-party is hosted by Legend's Bar and Grill / Bock's Billiards with more live music.

Free parking is available at the Latonia Plaza Shopping Center on Winston road.

Courtney Phenicie is the Editor in Chief of CincyMusic and an alum of Northern Kentucky University. She enjoys singing in the car, pizza rolls, boxed red wine, and The Golden Girls. If you can’t find her roaming around the city with her daughter Josephine, check The Southgate House Revival or Casablanca Vintage in Northside.